The Sound of One Hanna Clapping
nytheatre.com review by Nancy Kim
August 18, 2008
Despite her relatively young age, Chicago-based performer Hanna LoPatin is a pedigreed comedienne having gone through renowned training programs at The Second City and Improv Olympic, as well as finding herself under the direction of the sterling Ana Gasteyer of former Saturday Night Live fame. Her one-woman show is a fine showcase for the confident and kooky performer, although her preoccupations are made up of the usual mid-20s agita over dating, unfulfilling jobs, and going after your dreams.
In a series of sketches, original songs, and old home video treasures, LoPatin ambles through some of her life stories in self-deprecating and, at times, absurd ways, from an important audition gone bad to a mimed dance of an imagined relationship with a celebrity crush. With a guitar in hand, LoPatin also treats us to some of her quirky songs about stalking an ex-boyfriend on MySpace and dating Jewish boys too Jewish for her.
As her old home videos show, LoPatin has been performing since her leotard-and-tights days. While she admits that her superstar career hasn't taken off the way she had hoped, there is an undeniable comedic talent performing on stage. With some time and a desire to really go to a deeper—perhaps darker and more emotional—place, there is great potential for artistry in her comedy.
